Hyderabad: Ganesh Chaturthi began with pomp and gaiety in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Thursday as devotees installed the idols across the two states.

Thousands of idols of different shapes and sizes were installed at specially decorated "pandals" or makeshift platforms erected by various neighbourhood and traders' associations.

The 11-day-long festivities began amid tight security in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Devotees also performed puja to the elephant-headed Hindu god in their houses. The markets were abuzz with activity as men and women bought flowers, leaves, fruits and other puja items.

Several trucks were seen carrying giant idols from Dhoolpet a market famous for idol-making in the old city of Hyderabad.

Like every year, the tallest Ganesh idol was installed at Khairatabad in the heart of Hyderabad. The idol this time is 57 feet high and 24 feet wide, weighing more than 45 tonne.

Telangana ministers N. Narasimha Reddy and T. Srinivas Yadav, local MLA and BJP leader Chintala Ramachandra Reddy and others offered first puja. Hundreds of devotees thronged the place to catch a glimpse of the idol and make their offerings.